INDReporter

Chamber PAC endorsements imminent

by Walter Pierce

Endorsements are expected soon from the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce's newly formed political action committee, EMPOWER PAC. Endorsements are expected soon from the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce's newly formed political action committee, EMPOWER PAC, for the Oct. 2 Lafayette Parish School Board elections. Comprising members of the chamber as well as non-chamber members, the PAC interviewed candidates in the contested districts - 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 - on Friday and Monday.

GLCC President Rob Guidry told The Independent last week that once the interviews were completed, the PAC planned to announce its endorsements quickly in order to allow the selected candidates time to campaign, endorsement in hand, before the election should they chose to do so; it's worth noting, however, that in some rural and inner-city districts in Lafayette Parish, a chamber of commerce endorsement may not carry much weight and could even be seen as a negative. A source close to the process says EMPOWER PAC is likely to announce its endorsements on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation heard presentations from the school board candidates in the races in districts 3 and 4. However, Jan Swift, the group's executive director, says they will not issue endorsements in those races.